ENOC and Microsoft partner to develop AI-based service station

Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has partnered with Microsoft to design and develop an artificial intelligence (AI) service station. A single service station will be selected to serve as a pilot for the project.

According to a statement, the station will give customers a personalised experience by offering products and services based on preferences. The products will be delivered directly to the vehicle, while it is being refueled.

The memorandum of understanding for the project was signed by Zaid Alqufaidi, managing director, Enoc Retail and Sayed Hashish, regional general manager, Microsoft Gulf.

“Dubai has witnessed transformational growth over the past years, largely driven by the emirate’s ability to adopt innovative technology solutions to spur its development. Key institutions continuously strive to achieve excellence, and ENOC is proud to play a major role in this success story. With operations spanning the entire energy value-chain, we take pride in having built a robust retail network that has enabled customers across the UAE with their fueling needs. Our operations will continue to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers, and we are deeply committed to remaining front and centre in a new era of digitised retail,” said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO, ENOC.

The Service Station of the Future concept is based on digital transformation of a service station’s forecourt. Through linking ENOC services with mobile apps and leveraging AI, customers will be directed to less busy stations on their routes, while waiting times at the pump will also be reduced, ENOC said.

“Our collaboration with Microsoft will enable us to transform motorists’ and customers’ experiences well before they roll onto the forecourt. By embracing new technologies and introducing novel ideas, we continue our journey towards supporting the Dubai 2021 Plan to become a smart city”, Falasi added.

The Service Station of the Future concept will leverage intelligent cloud solutions to build rounded views of ENOC customers and promote enhanced standards of safety, security and information on forecourts.

“Microsoft’s mission is to help every individual and organisation on the planet to achieve more. Our customers are the true digital transformation heroes – engaging customers, empowering employees, optimising operations and reinventing business models. As we move forward with ENOC on the Service Station of the Future programme, we have the opportunity to redefine the fuel retail experience, establishing ENOC stations not just as efficient service centres, but as enticing destinations for the whole family. That is what digital transformation is all about; it enables organisations to position themselves at the forefront of innovation, by capturing, enhancing and modernising the end-to-end customer experience,” said Hashish.